Communalism is the biggest threat, All India Secular Forum convener says

Communalism is the biggest threat, All India Secular Forum convener says
TNN | Nov 20, 2013, 06.17 AM IST


GUWAHATI: Social activist L S Hardenia and chief convener of All India Secular Forum (AISF) on Tuesday said communalism is the biggest hurdle in the path of development of the country.

Hardenia, who was in Guwahati to attend a lecture, said at present several forces are trying to bring division in the country in the name of religion.

"There are several types of communalism, which are trying to divide the country. If some are doing it through terror activities, others are doing it in the name of religion. Some anti-social elements are trying to enforce communalism," Hardenia said after he was honoured with the litterateur Ismail Hussain (Sr) Memorial Award on the first death anniversary on Tuesday.

The event was organized by Char Chapori Sahitya Parishad (CCSP), a literary body of the state, to pay tribute to late Ismail Hussain who has been instrumental in the literary field of the state, especially to bring out the life and culture of various downtrodden sections of society, including the religious minorities, over the last several decades. Hardenia also mentioned the Sikh riots of 1980 in which hundreds of Sikhs were killed in northern India.

Citing the example of separation of Bangladesh from Pakistan, Hardenia said language is more powerful than religion to unite people. He also termed Gujrat chief minister and BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi a liar and urged the people to be careful of such leaders who might mislead the public.

Criticizing the system of 'doubtful voters' in Assam, he requested the government to bring about a solution at the earliest so that people can live peacefully and enjoy the rights given by the Constitution.

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